Recently I have come across some very cool music platforms which I must share with anyone who appreciates music even on the smallest level. Think FREE music, and lots of it, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and there’s no buffering or loading. Not only that, some of these services act as social networks or they may be integrated with existing social networks through widgets, playlists, ratings/recommendations etc. While waiting in anticipation for services like Spotify to become available in the US, I think these sites may help quench our insatiable musical thirst.

GrooveShark – Essentially a music search engine matched with a seamless music player that allows you to build playlists and gives recommendations on other music you may like. Very simple, but extremely useful if you know exactly what your looking for.

The Sixty-One – Combines the likes of a social network, music portal, and an interactive gaming experience. I personally think this website is where it’s at when it comes to discovering independent artists. Members are given different “quests” such as listening to the other users playlists for a set amount of time, or listen to five songs of your favorite new artist. As individuals complete quests, they earn points and credibility, allowing community members to build social capital while also creating a unique, fun, and valuable experience.

Deezer – A French music discovery social network similar to imeem. Setting Deezer apart is its unique desig, layout and features. Some of the unique features it boasts are individual artist communities and forums, genre-specific radio stations, interactive music discovery games, and music news resources.